Welcome Nudge..then Sam,Ted, Jack and Spot

New boys on the block

The baby theme continues at Rivergum, with the addition of nine new calves.
Five of these babies have been born here, four are happily frolicking with their mother's in the paddock, while one is being hand-raised, after his mother rejected him, and four have been purchased to keep the rejected one company. Nudge (the rejected one) has had a rough start to life. Born on a frosty winter's morning, his mother was less than nurturing from the moment his lanky legs hit the icy ground. Pushing him, kicking him, head butting him and generally tossing him around, were the welcoming gestures he received. Noticing her unusual behaviour and her disinclination to let him feed from her, we had little choice but to lock them in the yards and get her in the crush, force feeding Nudge onto her. With persistence and help from our trusty neighbour, Nudge drank hungrily from his mother, but unfortunately she would not let him feed independently. After a few days of trying to get her to change her mind, we decided Nudge would end up hurt and very hungry if we left him with her. Decision was made to send mum back to the paddock where she will stay until she is ready for market and Nudge will be raised like an orphan.

This way Spot!

Worried that he is isolated from the rest of herd and would have no friends, we made the journey to Yinnar South yesterday and bought four brothers for him to play with on the farm. The four Friesian cross bulls are cute as ever and have quickly become very friendly. Daryl had the joy of getting them onto the trailer without the aid of a race or ramp and after successfully carrying one to the trailer, found the others too heavy. Instead navigating them with their tail and walking them to the trailer was the next option. So, in the freezing cold (very chilly in Yinnar South) one by one, each calf was walked to the trailer (with some resistance) and loaded on. So now Jack, Ted, Spot and Sam have joined Nudge. Finally tonight they are all feeding off the fence and despite some appalling manners they are working out the system. Which is just as well, because when I am trying to feed them, before heading off to work, it is still dark and cold, and generally a shower is required afterward. The dank smell of warm calf milk lingers! Fingers crossed none of them will suffer with scours and our first effort at calf raising will be successful.

Ready for feeding 

As for mumma cow, well her days are numbered. It is a tragedy that comes with the realities of farming. She is an experienced cow, having birthed calves in previous years. It is not possible to know what has happened to her this time and unfortunately we cannot keep her here, eating the minimal feed we have, if she is unable to produce and nurture a healthy calf.

Nudge, enjoying a human cuddle

Soon it is hoped the grandkids, godchildren and great nieces and nephews will visit and enjoy the experience of petting pint size cattle and seeing them feed.
For now we will persist, despite the winter chill and keep nurturing them human style.



Until next time,

N